F# Minor Circle (F#m)
i - VI - iv - V7 progression in F# minor with D major and C#7
F# minor uses finger 2 on fret 2 of string 4, finger 1 on fret 1 of string 3, and finger 3 on fret 2 of string 2 leaving string 1 open. For D major align fingers on fret 2 of strings 4, 3, and 2. For B minor lay a fret 2 barre with finger 3 on fret 4 of string 4. For C#7 lay a fret 1 barre and place finger 2 on fret 2 of string 1.
How the chords connect in F# minor
The progression
F#m, D, Bm and C#7 make up the F# minor circle, as degrees i, VI, iv and V7. At 82 beats per minute, each bar of 4/4 lasts about 2.9 seconds and the whole round about 11.7.
The notes of each chord
F#m holds F#, A and C#. In D you hear D, F# and A. Bm holds B, D and F#. In C#7 you hear C#, E#, G# and B.
From one chord to the next
F#m and D keep F# and A in common. Also, two hand positions stay put. From D to Bm, D and F# stay, and two hand positions stay put. Bm and C#7 keep B in common. Also, one hand position stays put.
Back to the start
Going back from C#7 to F#m, E# rises a semitone to F# and B falls a whole tone to A. The two chords share C#.
The hand
F#m presses three positions and leaves string 1 open. D rings with string 1 open and three fretted positions. Bm needs a barre at fret 2. C#7 takes a barre at fret 1. The highest fret in the circle is fret 4, in Bm. Bm and C#7 use a barre.
Key map: F#m
- Key signature
- 3 sharps
- Scale notes
- F# – G# – A – B – C# – D – E
The 7 chords of the key
- iF#m
- ii°G#dim
- IIIA
- ivBm
- VC#
- VID
- VIIE
In minor, V is major thanks to the leading tone (raised 7th degree).
- Relative key
- A
F# Minor Circle (F#m) circle for ukulele
F#m 2120 · D 2220 · Bm 4222 · C#7 1112
Show ukulele tab and notation
Questions about this ukulele circle
How do you switch quickly from F sharp minor to D major?
Slide your index finger from fret 1 to fret 2 of string 3 while fingers 2 and 3 settle right beside it across the second fret.
Why does the open first string in F sharp minor add so much depth?
The open A string reinforces the minor third of the chord, giving the ukulele its signature open ring.
Which rhythm supports the tension of this circle?
String by string fingerpicking at 82 BPM gives each chord a solemn, expressive weight.